What does it mean to love someone without trying to possess them?

In Part One of my journey through Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, I look at the book’s opening lessons on love, marriage, and children.

Four ideas stood out to me: love requires vulnerability, a strong marriage leaves room for individuality, parenting is preparation for release, and loving someone means accepting that we cannot control them.

From pillars standing together to parents as bows launching their children like arrows, Gibran gives us some memorable images for thinking about the people we love.

Until next time, remember: the answers are older than we are—and just as relevant today.

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